The future of Multnomah County's public services is in jeopardy, with a potential loss of numerous jobs on the horizon. But here's where it gets controversial—the county is considering cutting positions in its behavioral health division, a decision that could have far-reaching consequences.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that Multnomah County is facing a challenging budget shortfall, and the Board of Commissioners is set to decide on a proposal to eliminate up to 21 full-time jobs in the behavioral health sector. This decision comes as a result of a $4.6 million reduction in funding from CareOregon, the state's Medicaid benefits provider.
The Youth and Adult Care Coordination program is at the heart of this controversy, as it may lose 18 full-time positions. This program plays a vital role in helping individuals of all ages access mental health resources and treatment. Additionally, the jail care coordination pilot program, which offers similar services to inmates, is set to lose two positions.
The Behavioral Health Center is also affected, with one position potentially being cut. However, the county remains tight-lipped about the exact number of vacant positions and the employees who might face layoffs.
And this is the part most people miss—an additional 17 positions are at risk, but the county is buying some time by reallocating funds to keep these jobs until June 30. These positions include care coordinators, medical records staff, and behavioral health managers, all of which are crucial for the well-being of the community.
As the county heads into the 2026-27 fiscal year, the outlook is bleak. The funding from CareOregon is not expected to return, and Health Share of Oregon, which oversees CareOregon, has already warned of financial losses. This situation has already led to job cuts in neighboring counties, with Clackamas County eliminating 27 positions and Washington County expecting to lay off three people.
The question remains: How will these cuts impact the community's access to essential behavioral health services? And is there a way to balance budget constraints with the growing need for mental health support? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
